Bearskin: A Grimm Tale

by Gareth Hinds

This is a Graphic Novel adaptation of a Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale. It is the story of a discharged soldier who, homeless and destitute, agrees to a deal with the Devil. For seven years he must wear the pelt of a bear, and neither bathe, shave, cut his hair or nails, nor sleep in a bed. If he dies during the seven years, he will lose his soul, but if he survives he will be the wealthiest man in the world. 80 pp. b/w.

Genres: Graphic Novels

82 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Gareth Hinds is the creator of critically-acclaimed graphic novels based on literary classics, including Beowulf (which Publisher’s Weekly called a “mixed-media gem”), King Lear (which Booklist named one of the top 10 graphic novels for teens), The Merchant of Venice (which Kirkus called “the standard that all others will strive to meet” for Shakespeare adaptation), The Odyssey (which garnered four starred reviews and a spot on ten “best of 2010” lists), Romeo and Juliet (which Kirkus called “spellbinding”), and Macbeth (which the New York Times called “stellar” and “a remarkably faithful rendering”). Gareth is a recipient of the Boston Public Library’s “Literary Lights for Children” award. His books can be found in bookstores and English classrooms across the country, and his illustrations have appeared in such diverse venues as the Society of Illustrators, the New York Historical Society, and over a dozen published video games.

Gareth lives in the Washington DC area.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This black and white graphic novel is a good retelling of the Grimm's Bearskin. It sticks to the original story. There is a wonderful detail in the artwork (in particular in the rendering of the Devil). What was also nice was the use of politics and government in the beginning of the story.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This paperback version is my wifes. Its a signed copy from the author we met at a comic convention many years ago. No isbn number or printing house data, but it is well made!

[Amelia G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure whether I should be disturbed or not, but then again, it is a Grimm fairy tale. Artwork was good though!

[C Harpin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was dark. The ebook text doesn't feel like it 'goes' with the pictures. The font just seems like Times New Roman typed into text boxes on top of the pictures which felt odd. It would have been less jarring if it was a hand drawn font.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It is a great visual rendition of the tale, Bearskin. At first, the art seemed so dark because it was in black and white with a lot of detail. But it fits perfectly with the mood and feel of the tale. There were a few frames that I found simply beautiful! Some facial expressions didn't seem to fit, but the more I read it, the more I catch something new and the art choices become clearer to me. I recommend this book to any fairy tale lovers - especially those who love Bearskin!